Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu: Another tough away match awaits the Sabah President Cup squad as they take on Kedah today (Thursday) at the Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Star at 4.45pm.
After the heartbreaking loss to Perak in their last match played here at the Likas Stadium, the players know that they have to stand up and be counted to produce the same form that saw them beat Kelantan in their previous away match which was also their only win so far.
It hasn't been an easy start as most would have expected for the State junior team with one win, one draw and a loss to date.
Based on their two performances displayed here at the Likas Stadium, there was nothing to complain about in terms of the players' individual skills and commitment on the pitch.
They were up there on par or even better against the Melaka and Perak players and the only difference was their failure to covert chances into goals.
If they can rectify their scoring problems there is a great chance that they will get the three points today.
The players must have the belief that they can do it again after the win against Kelantan in their own den.
Coach Justin Ganai can also take confidence from knowing that his side can improve significantly with the combination of Didie Arizal and Sabri Sahar in the engine room starting to gel.
The pair had ran themselves to the point of exhaustion against Perak last week and their attitude was spot on although their passes to the frontline were still a bit off but it will only get better with more matches under their belt.
There wouldn't be major changes to the team's starting lineup apart from Umareng Bacok who is suspended due to the red card he picked up against Perak and Ag Ku Mohf Hamizan Ag Ku Hamzah has taken his flight to Kedah on Wednesday.
Sabah are likely to start with Zumanshah Aling and Eyo Mathew in attack as Rexjeson is nursing a minor knock and may only start on the bench.
The midfield will most likely see the return of Anwari Tajuddin on the right supporting Sabri and Didie while the left flank position will only be decided later.
The back four will remain the same with captain Dendy Lowa, Rawilson Batul, Shazree Ruhif Ismail and Jenius Karib while Endre S Tipay will man the post.
